Artscape Provides Major Boost To Baltimore Economy

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — What’s a summer in Baltimore without Artscape? Saturday marked day two of America’s largest free arts festival, welcoming thousands of people—which is a huge boost for our local economy.

Marcus Washington has more.

When you’ve been around for over 30 years and people still want more, something is being done right.

“We were looking for something to do down here and everything costs a lot of money now, so it’s great to come out here and not have to pay,” said Steve Bergmann.

This is the 33rd year for what’s known as America’s largest free arts festival: Artscape.

“I think people are able to express themselves, be able to love each other and share their gifts and talents and people are able to receive that,” said Devrin Lindasy.

This year, 350,000 people are expected to attend, bringing in $28 million—not too bad for a free art festival.

“Just hope to have a good time,” said an attendee.

Art is the main focus of the festival, which comes in all forms including music, food and, of course, the people.

It’s a fun time no matter what brings you out, and many hope to see it stick around for another 33 years.

If you haven’t been able to attend yet, you still have time—but Sunday is the final day of the festival. It’s from 11-8 on Sunday.

Marcus Washington joined WJZ Eyewitness News in June 2014 as the weekend evening anchor and reporter.
Dreams of becoming “one of the people who tells the news” came early for Marcus. He still remembers sitting in his living room at the age ...